What Store Sells Money Orders? Where to Buy Them

A money order is a secure, prepaid payment instrument, serving as a reliable alternative to cash or personal checks. It is particularly useful for individuals who may not have a traditional bank account or when a payee requires guaranteed funds, as money orders are pre-funded and cannot “bounce” like a personal check. They are often preferred for bill payments or sending money safely through the mail.

Where to Buy Money Orders

Money orders are widely available. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a common option, offering domestic money orders up to $1,000. Fees vary based on the amount, typically between $1.20 and $1.75 for amounts up to $500, and slightly higher for amounts up to $1,000. USPS money orders are widely accepted and backed by the federal government.

Major retailers are popular places to purchase money orders, with stores like Walmart, Kroger, CVS, and 7-Eleven often having money services counters. Walmart money orders, powered by Western Union, typically have a maximum fee of $1 and a limit of $1,000. Kroger, often utilizing Western Union, generally caps individual money orders at $500, though some locations might allow up to $1,000, with fees usually being a few dollars. CVS, which uses MoneyGram, typically charges around $1.25 to $1.99, with a maximum amount of $500, while 7-Eleven sells Western Union or MoneyGram money orders with fees ranging from $1 to $5 and a maximum limit of $500. These retail locations offer the advantage of extended hours and widespread presence.

Many banks and credit unions also issue money orders, often providing them to account holders, sometimes even for free. Their operating hours may be more limited compared to retail stores. Fees and maximum limits for money orders can vary significantly by location and provider, with most domestic money orders generally capped at $1,000. If a larger amount is needed, multiple money orders can be purchased, though each will incur a separate fee.

What You Need to Purchase a Money Order

To purchase a money order, specific information and forms of payment are required. The exact amount of money the money order should be for is required, as you must pay this amount upfront, along with any associated fees. Money orders are prepaid, meaning the funds are guaranteed.

You will need the full name of the recipient (the payee) the money order is intended for. While not always mandatory at the time of purchase, having the recipient’s address can also be helpful for certain money orders. Acceptable forms of payment for money orders typically include cash or a debit card. Credit cards are generally not accepted for money order purchases, as using them can be treated as a cash advance by the credit card issuer, incurring additional fees and interest. Some locations may also require a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID, especially for larger amounts.

After Your Money Order Purchase

After purchasing a money order, you must accurately fill it out. Write the recipient’s full name in the “Pay to the Order Of” section, and double-check the spelling to avoid delays. Your own name and address, as the purchaser, should be entered in the designated “From” or “Purchaser” section. A memo line is often available for a brief note, such as an account number or purpose of payment, which can be useful for record-keeping. Finally, sign the front of the money order in the purchaser’s signature area; the back is reserved for the recipient’s endorsement when they cash it.

Keep the money order receipt or stub, as it serves as proof of purchase and contains a tracking or serial number. This number is used for tracking the money order’s status, such as whether it has been cashed, by contacting the issuer. If a money order is lost, stolen, or damaged, the receipt is needed for a refund or replacement. The refund process typically involves submitting a cancellation or inquiry form to the issuer and often incurs a processing fee, which can range from a few dollars to upwards of $20. Refunds are generally only possible if the money order has not yet been cashed by the recipient and can take several weeks to process.